Mackenzie Croxford-Cook, who died aged just 14, was a ‘thoughtful and loving’ boy (Picture: UKNIP)
Further investigation into fairground site and ride security is needed after a teenage boy was fatally crushed on a ride, a coroner has said.
Mackenzie Croxford-Cook was 14 when he became trapped on a ‘superstar’ machine at a fairground in Pencester Gardens, Dover.
His heartbroken family paid tribute to their ‘thoughtful and loving’ boy after he died at the scene on August 3.
Alongside friends, Mackenzie, from Deal in Kent, had gained access to the funfair before it opened to the public. He had used the dodgems and trampolines before tragedy struck.
An inquest into his death was due to conclude on Monday at County Hall in Maidstone.
But area coroner Katrina Hepburn adjourned the case, saying she needed ‘all the information’ before reaching a conclusion.
Further inquiries will be made with the operator of the ride, Luke Shufflebottom, as well as Dover District Council which owns the land.
If necessary, a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report will be issued after this.
He had gained access to the funfair before it opened to the public (Picture: UkNewsinPictures)
Emergency workers pictured at the scene (Picture: UKNIP)
This would only be if any failings or shortcomings are found which could have contributed to Mackenzie’s death.
Explaining her decision, Ms Hepburn said: ‘Mackenzie and his colleagues had access to this ride outside its hours of operation with such tragic consequences.
‘I believe there is missing evidence looking at the fencing of this ride and questions about access to this location for these teenagers on that morning.
‘Mackenzie was trapped in a fairground ride but I don’t have evidence about how that location was being fenced and monitored at that hour in the morning.
‘I could have gone ahead today but I would rather make sure I have all the evidence so I can deal with PFD issues if they do arise.’
She went onto say that Mr Shufflebottom will be asked to explain ‘how the ride is closed down, opened up, and how it is left in the interim’.
‘There may be by-laws relating to fairground rides which the council may have details about’, Ms Hepburn added.
‘I will make further inquiries with Dover District Council about permissions and gain more evidence about the situation with regards to this site.
‘I want to make sure everything is ready before we proceed. It’s not definitive that I will make a PFD report but I must make one where I think there’s a risk of the same thing happening again, so I need to make sure there’s sufficient evidence to make a decision about that.’
The inquest has been adjourned to a date to be confirmed.
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Mackenzie Croxford-Cook, who died aged just 14, was a ‘thoughtful and loving’ boy.
